Hughes opts out of Big Bash to focus on Test career

Melbourne, Dec 14 (IANS) Australia’s beleaguered Test opener Phil Hughes has opted out of the Big Bash Twenty20 league with Sydney Thunder to concentrate on his technique.

The 23-year-old is going through a terrible form and has been out 21 times caught behind the wicket in 31 dismissals in Test cricket. He was dismissed in similar fashion on four occasions in the recent series against New Zealand.

Cricket Australia (CA) performance manager Pat Howard said 17-Test opener Hughes would concentrate on the longer form of the game.

“Phillip Hughes has taken a decision in the interests of his personal development, to focus on the long-form of the game. Phillip, in close consultation with CA and Sydney Thunder, has decided not to compete with the Thunder this season,” said Howard in a statement.